Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that can occur in any season, causing symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, and nausea. It can be prevented by drinking water, wearing light clothing, and avoiding exercise in hot temperatures. Treatment involves cooling down and resting in a cool place.
Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that occurs when people are exposed to environmental heat for extended periods of time. This condition isn’t as serious as heatstroke, another heat-related illness, but it can become a serious medical problem if not addressed, and people should pay close attention to early signs of this condition when they’re in hot weather. This condition is especially common in the summer months when temperatures are typically higher, but people can experience heat exhaustion at any time of the year, including an unusually warm winter day, and can get this condition indoors in cold environments. like saunas.
In heat exhaustion, the body’s fluid supply begins to deplete and this throws off the electrolyte balance. People with heat exhaustion typically begin to feel dizzy, disoriented, and confused, and may experience headaches, nausea, and vomiting. They typically also sweat a lot and can develop sticky skin. If exhaustion is allowed to persist, collapse can occur.
Usually, the core body temperature remains relatively stable or slightly elevated in cases of heat exhaustion, which is a key difference between this condition and heatstroke. However, core temperature can rise, sometimes very rapidly, in untreated cases, resulting in a simple case of heat exhaustion turning into heat stroke. If heatstroke occurs, it can lead to brain damage, heart attacks, and death.
The best way to treat heat exhaustion is to avoid getting it in the first place. In hot weather, people should drink plenty of water, wear light-colored clothing to reflect the heat, and consider sitting in the shade and using sun hats and umbrellas. When exercising in the heat, people should take it easy if they don’t normally exercise in hot temperatures, and people who are sensitive to heat may want to avoid exercise altogether. If someone begins to feel a little disoriented, tired or ill from the heat, they should be moved indoors to a cool place and encouraged to lie down and rest. This can prevent serious heat-related illnesses.
In cases where heat exhaustion occurs, the patient needs to cool down and relax. It is recommended to move someone into the house and give them cool drinks. Drinks containing caffeine should be avoided, and sitting in a cool bath or wrapping the patient in towels moistened with cold water may help. People should also be aware that many medications increase susceptibility to heat, as do some medical conditions, and young children especially are at very high risk of heat-related illness.
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